Should the Countertops Be Changed to Sell a House?

Make sure replacing the countertops is a good investment before doing the work.

Appearances count. When you are trying to sell your house, you should do everything you can to put it in the best condition possible. You don't have to invest in a major overhaul of the house, but there are features that can be enhanced to improve its eye appeal and value. Many buyers prefer granite or marble countertops to those made of linoleum or other, less expensive materials. The decision to change your countertops to help sell your house depends on different factors.

Adding Gloss to a Tarnished Fixture

If your kitchen is old, tired and in need of a complete makeover, replacing the countertops won’t make much of a difference in the value of your home. A buyer looks at the overall appearance and determines what changes are necessary to bring the room up to his standards. Instead of investing in upgrading one element, offer the buyer a lower overall house price during negotiations.

Compare Neighborhood Kitchens

Visit your neighbors and check out their kitchens. Look at houses that are currently on the market and within your selling price range. If your kitchen is on par with theirs, and it’s appropriate for the neighborhood, you probably don't need to change the countertops if you plan to put the house on the market. Instead, clean the kitchen until it sparkles, bring in new toweling and dispensers, add a decorative throw rug and accessorize with a bright color.

Uncompleted Updates

If you’ve updated your kitchen through the years and most elements are modern, but your countertops have been neglected, consider replacing them. Today’s buyers like granite or other hard stone, and the value of a home is often determined by the quality of the kitchen. Put the value of your home in perspective before deciding on the type of countertop you’ll install. High-end countertops won’t bring a return on investment in a low-end house.

Be Competitive

When you take the time to research the trends in your area, you can determine what’s “in” regarding home improvements. If you plan to live in your house for a period of time before selling it, install kitchen countertops that suit your taste, will be enjoyable to live with, and ultimately will add value. If you’re doing the remodel purely for a resale value, upgrade only to the standards of the neighborhood. It doesn't make sense to invest a lot of money in high-end countertops if you can't recoup that money via a higher selling price.

About the Author

Jann Seal is published in magazines throughout the country and is noted for her design and decor articles and celebrity *in-home* interviews. An English degree from the University of Maryland and extensive travels and relocations to other countries have added to her decorating insight.